Heater and Heated Vehicle Illumination Assembly

ABSTRACT

A heated light enclosure having an adaptable heating system is provided with a controlled heating system to deliver enough heat to a lens on a lamp assembly to remove snow, frost, and/or condensation without overheating the lens. By heating the lens using a combination of one or more of PTC heaters, heat sinks and heat pipes, accumulation of snow, ice, or vapor is mitigated or eliminated from a surface of the lens, thereby enabling light to transmit through the lens. Applications include lamps and bulbs on conveyance devices, including vehicles, boats, planes, and trains, as well as sedentary structures, such as lamp posts, street lights, railroad crossing markers and lights, and airport ground and runway lighting systems.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to heated lamps and heated light assemblies forlamps. More particularly, this disclosure relates to apparatus andmethods for melting snow and ice and removing condensation from lensesof lights and lighting systems for mobile and stationary applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Techniques are known for heating lamps and lighting systems. Onetechnique involves providing a heating wire on a back surface of a coverelement provided over a vehicle light. However, such a system does notnecessarily provide thermal protection for overheating. The recentadoption of LED lighting systems, which generate very little heat,increases the problem of snow and ice accumulating on the lens of such alighting system. Accordingly, improvements are needed to better enableremoval of ice, snow and condensation from lenses of lights and lightingsystems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Lamps, lights and bulbs are provided with a controlled heating systemthat provides enough heat to a lens on a lamp assembly to remove snow,frost, and/or condensation without overheating the lens. By heating thelens, accumulation of snow, ice, or vapor is mitigated or eliminatedfrom a surface of the lens, thereby enabling light to transmit throughthe lens. Applications include lamps and bulbs on conveyance devices,including vehicles, boats, planes, and trains, as well as sedentarystructures, such as lamp posts, street lights, railroad crossing markersand lights, and airport ground and runway lighting systems.

According to one aspect, a vehicle heated light assembly is providedincluding an enclosure, a light emitting diode lamp, a positivetemperature coefficient heater, a thermal heat sink, power circuitry,and a power supply connection. The enclosure is provided by a housingand a lens. The light emitting diode lamp is provided in the enclosureconfigured to emit light through the lens. The positive temperaturecoefficient heater is provided within the enclosure. The thermal heatsink is provided in the enclosure and is physically affixed in thermallyconductive relation with the positive temperature coefficient heater.The power circuitry has a source voltage coupled with the positivetemperature coefficient heater and voltage regulating circuitry coupledwith the source voltage and configured to provide a reduced voltage tothe light emitting diode lamp. The power supply connection is coupledwith the power circuitry to provide the source voltage.

According to another aspect, a vehicle heated light assembly is providedincluding an enclosure, a light emitting diode lamp, a positivetemperature coefficient heater, a thermal heat sink, power circuitry, apower supply connection, and at least one elongate and thermallyconductive heat pipe. The enclosure is provided by a housing and a lens.The light emitting diode lamp is provided in the enclosure and isconfigured to emit light through the lens. The positive temperaturecoefficient heater is provided within the enclosure. The thermal heatsink is provided in the enclosure and is physically affixed in thermallyconductive relation with the positive temperature coefficient heater.The power circuitry has voltage regulating circuitry, a first pair ofnodes providing a first voltage to the positive temperature coefficientheater, and a second pair of nodes providing at a second, reducedvoltage. The voltage regulating circuitry is configured to provide areduced voltage source to the light emitting diode lamp. The powersupply connection is coupled to the power circuitry to provide the firstvoltage to the power circuitry. At least one elongate and thermallyconductive heat pipe is affixed in thermally conductive relation withthe heat sink proximate the lens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tail light assembly with the lens removedshowing a pair of PTC heaters with self-regulating temperature featuresaccording to one aspect.

FIG. 1A is a simplified circuit diagram for one suitable power circuitryfor powering a vehicle heated light assembly, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above with a cylindrical lens coverremoved of a heated vehicle tail light assembly with a PTC heateraccording to another aspect.

FIG. 3 is a Table showing general technical data for the custom PTCheater of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a Plot of a power curve for the PTC heater of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above for an earlier version of theheated vehicle tail light assembly of FIG. 2 with lens removed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above in disassembly of two earlierversions of the heated vehicle tail light assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a close up of the PTC heater placement on a first of theheated vehicle tail light assemblies of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a close up of the PTC heater placement on a second of theheated vehicle tail light assemblies of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is another close up of the PTC heater placement of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above in disassembly of modified twoearlier versions of the heated vehicle tail light assembly of FIG. 1using a heat sink with a PTC heater to provide a heating source.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the heated tail light assembliesof FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is yet another perspective view of the heated tail lightassemblies of FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIGS. 13-18 each are perspective views from above of a heating sourceusing a PTC heater with a heat sink and a pair of elongate, thermallyconductive L-shaped heat pipes.

FIGS. 19-21 each are perspective views from above of an alternategeometric configuration heating source using a PTC heater with a heatsink and a pair of elongate, thermally conductive I-shaped heat pipeseach additionally having a heat sink affixed at each end with adouble-backed adhesive mounting strip.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of eight unique heating sources forvehicle lights.

FIGS. 23-24, 33-34 are partially disassembled perspective views of aunique heating source using a PTC heater and a heat sink mounted withina vehicle headlight.

FIGS. 25-29, 31 and 34 are partially disassembled perspective views ofanother unique heating source, shown in FIGS. 13-18, using a PTC heater,a heat sink, and L-shaped heat pipes.

FIGS. 30, 32, 34 and 45 are partially disassembled perspective views ofanother unique heating source using a centrally mounted PTC heater and apair of I-shaped heat pipes.

FIGS. 35-44 are partially disassembled perspective views of yet anotherunique heating source, shown in FIGS. 19-21, using a pair of PTC heatersaffixed in spaced-apart relation along a medial portion of a pair ofI-shaped heat pipes, with a heat sink affixed at each end of the pair ofheat pipes.

FIGS. 46-48 are perspective views of lamp and adapter assemblies havinga unique heating source on either the lamp base or the adapter assembly.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view from a leading end of a heater assemblyfor a vehicle light assembly according to even another unique version.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the heater assembly of FIG. 49 takenfrom a trailing end.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view from a leading end of another uniqueheater assembly for a vehicle light assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the constitutionalpurposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science anduseful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

LED (light emitting diodes) light enclosures for on-road or off-road useare non-heated lights. A series of temperature controlled heated lightassemblies are shown below in FIGS. 1-2 and 5-9. These lights areindependently controlled environments to ensure a constant temperatureon the surface of the lens. Guaranteeing no ice or fog build up on theinside or outside of the lens allows for clarity even in the coldestclimates. An adaptable heating system is used to perform this task. PTC(Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating elements provide a mechanismwhere the heater is self-regulating, eliminating the need for athermostat. The heating element filament will increase or decrease theresistive property (increasing the resistance decreases the heat anddecreasing the resistance increases the heat) depending on thesurrounding temperature. This gives the heating element a more efficientpower consumption than for regular, or prior design heating elements.The prior design heating elements just turn on to the maximum heat untila thermostat turns it off. The PTC heater is placed at the bottom of theenclosure, allowing for natural convection to occur (hot air rises andcold air will cycle down), and ensuring even heat transfer to the lens.The element is tied right into the existing light circuitry, makinginstillation of a heated light as simple as unplugging one and pluggingthe other in its place.

FIG. 1 illustrates one construction for a heating source 10 and 12 thatuses a custom PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater unit 14 and16, respectively, designed to keep the ambient temperature within avehicle light 18 (such as a head light, tail light or marker light) at140 Degrees F. This pair of heat sources 10 and 12 allows for the heattransfer to the lens to be hot enough to keep snow and ice build up fromoccurring. Key features of our heating implementation are the simplicityof having a heater and thermostat all in one unit, and also the powertie in before the voltage regulator circuit in the existing lighthardware (i.e., a vehicle 12 Vdc source). A new feature is the upgradedheat sink 24 and 26 used with the PTC element 14 and 16, which allowsfor maximum radiant heat to be achieved. When constructing these units,each heat sink 24 and 26 is pried open along a medial section and arespective PTC element 14 and 16 is inserted therein, after which themedial segment of the heat sink is physically compressed onto therespective PTC element 14 and 16, and silver solder is appliedtherebetween to affix the element and provide a heat transfer pathwaythat will also withstand the rapid heat change and also provide for agood connection. A high heat UV cured adhesive can also be used to keepand retain components secure from vibration and act as a heat barrier toprotect the existing circuitry, as shown in FIGS. 6-9. FIG. 3 providesdata for the custom PTC heater (of FIGS. 1 and 2) and FIG. 4 provides apower curve.

The present custom designed PTC heater is made to turn on whentemperatures are below 32 Degrees Fahrenheit and to keep the ambienttemperature at 140 Degrees Fahrenheit. The unique power tie for theheating system is directly wired to the leads before (or upstream of)the power regulating circuit. This eliminates the need for additionalleads or power ties to be added in the existing system. Othertemperature change thresholds (and ranges) can also be realized byselecting a PTC heater having different operating characteristics.

One exemplary PTC heater for elements 14 and 16 is available forpurchase from Mouser Electronics, 1000 North Main Street Mansfield, Tex.76063 USA, using a PTC thermistors as a heating element. A metallizedround disk PTC thermistor can be used by EPCOS/TDK, 12 Vdc, 3 ohms discPTC heating, Series/Type: B59060, Mouser Part No. 871-B59060A0160A010,EPCOS/TDK Manufacturer Part No. B59060A0160A010. Alternatively, PTCheaters can have rectangular or square configurations.

One exemplary thermal heat sink for elements 24 and 26 is available forpurchase from Digikey Electronics, 701 Brooks Avenue South, Thief RiverFalls, Minn. 56701 USA, as an Aavid Thermalloy 577500B00000G, DigikeyPart No. HS216-ND, Aavid Thermalloy Part No. 577500B00000G, HEATSINKTO-126 VERT MNT SLIP-ON. Such heat sinks 24 and 26 are formed fromaluminum, a material that has desirable thermal conductivitycharacteristics for dissipating heat within a lighting enclosure. Suchheat sink has a thermal resistance of 26 c/W with a cross-sectionaltubular width of 19.81 mm, tubular axial depth of 13.21 mm., and across-sectional height of 8.13 mm.

FIG. 1A illustrates a simplified circuit diagram for one suitable powercircuitry for powering a vehicle heated light assembly, as shown inFIG. 1. More particularly, power circuitry includes a source of powerand power supply connection, such as a 12 Vdc vehicle battery and/oralternator associated with a vehicle wiring harness. Conductive wiring29 on the vehicle wiring harness includes a pair of conductive leads, orwires 25 at a pair of nodes that provides 12 Vdc power directly to oneor more PTC heaters 14 within a vehicle light assembly. A voltageregulator 23 provides a reduced voltage through a pair of conductiveleads, or wires at a second pair of nodes 27 to one or more lightemitting diode (LED) lamps 20 within the vehicle light assembly.

A rectangular PTC heater 114 is similarly affixed onto a heat sink 110that is further affixed onto a base plate 122 within an oblong, vehicletail light assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 2. An LED lamp 120 is alsomounted atop base plate 122.

FIG. 3 depicts a Table showing general technical data for the custom PTCheater of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a plot of a power curve for the PTC heater of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above for an earlier version of theheated vehicle tail light assembly 218 shown in FIG. 2 with lensremoved. A polyimide heater 214 is adhesively affixed to a supportstructure within tail light assembly 218, adjacent an LED lamp 220.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above in disassembly of two earlierversions of the heated vehicle tail light assembly, namely tail lightassemblies 318 and 418 which are similar to the tail light assembly ofFIG. 1. A polyimide heater 314 is provided with a thermistor 319embedded in an array of LED lamps 320, which provides an on/off functioncontrolled by a preset temperature range with the heater 314. Apolyimide heater provides radiant heat and the attached thermistor iswired together to regulate temperature and maximize efficiency.Similarly, light 418 includes a polyimide heater 414 and a thermistor420 embedded in an array of LED lamps 420.

FIG. 7 is a close up view showing placement of the polyimide heater 314with adhesive on a first of the heated vehicle tail light assemblies 318of FIG. 6, including thermistor 319 provided adjacent an LED lamp 320.

FIG. 8 is a close up view showing placement of the polyimide heater 414on a second of the heated vehicle tail light assemblies 418 of FIG. 6,including thermistor 420 provided adjacent an array of LED lamps 420.

FIG. 9 is another close up view showing placement of the polyimideheater 314 and thermistor 319 relative to LED 320 within light 318 ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above in disassembly of two uniqueheated vehicle tail light assemblies 418 and 518 similar to thosedepicted in FIG. 1 using a heat sink with a PTC heater to provide aheating source.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the heated tail light assembliesof FIG. 10. More particularly, heated tail light 418 includes two heatsources 410 and 412, each including a heat sink and a PTC heater.Likewise, heated tail light 518 has a heat source 510 including a heatsink and a PTC heater.

FIG. 12 is yet another perspective view of the heated tail lightassemblies of FIGS. 10 and 11. More particularly, heated tail light 518includes two heat sources 510 and 512, each including a heat sink and aPTC heater. Likewise, heated tail light 618 has a heat source 610including a heat sink and a PTC heater.

FIGS. 13-18 each are perspective views from above of a heating source710 using a PTC heater with a heat sink and a pair of elongate,thermally conductive L-shaped heat pipes. The PTC heater comprises arectangular PTC heater wired to deliver current delivered across the PTCheater with insulated wire leads that are conductively soldered to eachside of the heater. Conductive insulated wire leads are affixed toopposite sides of the PTC heater, and current is applied across the PTCheater, in operation. The PTC heater is either soldered onto the heatsink, or physically seated on the heat sink, after which silver solderis applied along edges to secure the PTC heater in thermally conductiverelation with the heat sink. Each heat pipe is formed from a hollowcopper tube. Each heat sink includes a pair of cylindrical edgeapertures and slits are cut into each aperture. A leg on each L-shapedheat pipe is inserted into one of the apertures, after which adhesive orepoxy is applied in each slit, thereby securing an end of each heat pipein thermally conductive relation within the heat sink. Likewise,individual heat sinks are adhesively (or soldered) in thermallyconductive relation onto ends of the heat pipes

FIGS. 19-21 each are perspective views from above of an alternategeometric configuration heating source 810 using a pair of PTC heaterswith a pair of heat sinks and a pair of elongate, thermally conductiveI-shaped heat pipes each additionally having a heat sink adhesivelyand/or physically affixed at each end with a double-backed adhesivemounting strip. The PTC heaters are wired in parallel, with currentdelivered across each PTC heater by insulated wire leads. Each heat pipeis formed from a hollow copper tube. Other thermally conductivematerials can be used for the heat pipes, such as aluminum or any othersuitable thermally conductive structural material. Individual PTCheaters are silver soldered (or adhesively affixed) onto both heatpipes. Likewise, individual heat sinks are adhesively affixed (orsoldered) in thermally conductive relation onto ends of the heat pipes.Segments of adhesively doubled sided foam trim tape are affixed to eachheat sink to facilitate fixation (along with fasteners) to a componenton a vehicle light assembly. Optionally, fasteners can be used.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of eight unique heating sources forvehicle lights.

FIG. 23-24, 33-34 are partially disassembled perspective views of aunique heating source 1110 using a PTC heater and a heat sink mountedwithin a vehicle headlight. The PTC heater includes a heat sinkcomprising an Aavid Thermalloy Part No. 577500B00000G, HEATSINK TO-126VERT MNT SLIP-ON, available from Digikey Electronics, 701 Brooks AvenueSouth, Thief River Falls, Minn. 56701 USA, Digikey Part No. HS216-ND. Arectangular PTC heater is soldered or adhesively affixed in thermallyconductive relation atop the heat sink which is further retained oraffixed to a component of the vehicle light housing.

FIGS. 25-29, 31 and 34 are partially disassembled perspective views ofanother unique heating source 710, shown in FIGS. 13-18, using a PTCheater, a heat sink, and L-shaped heat pipes.

FIGS. 30, 32, 34 and 45 are partially disassembled perspective views ofanother unique heating source 910 using a centrally mounted PTC heaterand a pair of I-shaped heat pipes. FIG. 34 illustrates threeapplications of unique heating sources on vehicle lights, sources 710,910 and 110.

FIGS. 35-44 are partially disassembled perspective views of yet anotherunique heating source 810, shown in FIGS. 19-21, using a pair of PTCheaters affixed in spaced-apart relation along a medial portion of apair of I-shaped heat pipes, with a heat sink affixed at each end of thepair of heat pipes.

FIGS. 46-48 are perspective views of lamp and adapter assemblies havinga unique heating source 1010 on either the lamp base or the adapterassembly. An aftermarket heated adaptor plug is provided for theclearing of snow and ice build up on headlight or taillight lenses. Suchheating source 1010 can also be used to eliminate condensation buildupwithin a vehicle light assembly, from an inner surface of a lens. Thisplug is a male to female plug with a PTC (positive temperaturecoefficient) heater that self regulates its temperature based on theambient temperature around it. Designed to plug into the existing lightfixture outlet and then plug the stock light into it. No need for anymodifications to the light or enclosure is necessary.

According to even another construction, a heated circular headlight wasdeveloped. A custom made heat sink was attached to the front corner ofan LED mount board. The heat sink is made of two copper tubes on the PTCheating element side. The PTC heating element can be interchanged fordifferent temperature ranges. Hollow copper tubes are used becausecopper pulls heat way from surfaces faster then aluminum. The coppertubes are attached to two small U-shaped aluminum heat sinks. Aluminumhas a better radiant heat property than copper, so the combined benefitsof copper and aluminum achieve a desired combined effect. With thiscombination, maximum heat transfer is achieved. The PTC heating elementis connected in parallel with the top LED light source. This was done tosimplify the circuitry. The only side effect of this configuration isthat it takes three second for the top led to turn on. This resultsbecause the PTC heater initially has less resistance than the LED lamp,but the LED lamp stays on after the initial start up. Test results werecollected in development with time lapse pictures. The test environmentwas at −5 Degrees Fahrenheit. Testing was performed on this prototypedesign.

According to yet another construction, a heated tail light (both roundand oblong) was developed. A power tie was provided before the voltageregulator circuit in the existing light hardware. An upgraded heat sinkwas used with the PTC element, which allows for maximum radiant heat tobe achieved. FIGS. 3 and 4 provide exemplary data about the PTC heaterand a power curve. When constructing these units, silver solder is usedto withstand the rapid heat change and for a good connection. The PTCheaters that are used are a circular design, they are bi-directional soit does not matter what side to which the ground and power areconnected. After connecting the wires to the heater, the heater is slidin between the heat sink with enough tension to hold them securelytogether. Lastly, the heat sink and the heater are secured inside to thebottom of the enclosure with a UV light cured adhesive.

The above-described PTC heater designs start with the perfect pairing ofcomponents for the enclosure. Depending on the cubic volume of the airrequired to be heated in order to transfer enough heat through the lensmaterial, a specific heater design is selected. After knowing this, onecan pick the right temperature constant for the application.Subsequently, the PTC heater is paired with the right heat sink thatwill not block any light and will fit in the allowed area. It is thennecessary to make sure that the heat sink dissipates as much heat aspossible to ensure a fast clear time. With the right selectedcomponents, it is now time to assemble them together. Depending on thedistance the wires have to travel and the current they have to be ableto carry, an appropriate conductive wire gauge is selected. Silversolder is used to ensure the best contact and heat resistance. The PTCheater is placed in the middle of the heat sink and one wire is solderedonto the back surface and the other wire is soldered on to the frontsurface. A ceramic square plate is used to separate the heat sink fromthe delicate electrical components to ensure that no harm results fromover heating. With the heater assembled and the ceramic plate down, itis time to place the package at the bottom of the enclosure and secureit in place with a UV cured adhesive. The adhesive maximizes radiantheat transfer and also protects the heating unit from vibrations.Additionally and/or optionally, one or more fasteners can be used tosecure the resulting package to a vehicle lighting component.Optionally, these constructions can be use on other light sources beyondjust vehicle lighting, such as street lights, solar yard lights, andother security lights.

FIGS. 49 and 50 are perspective front and rear views of a heaterassembly for a vehicle light assembly according to even another uniqueversion. More particularly, FIG. 49 illustrates a heating source 1110comprising a heating unit in the form of a positive temperaturecoefficient heater 1114 affixed in thermally conductive relation withthermally conductive adhesive 1130, such as thermally conductive epoxy,within a tubular heat sink 1124. A pair of insulated conductive leads1131 and 1133 enter a rear portion of heat sink 1124 through a boreprovided by cylindrical inner wall portion 1135, as shown in FIG. 50.

As shown in FIG. 49, PTC heater 1114 according to one construction has asquare cross-section and has a length of approximately twice thedistance of one side of the square face, extending longitudinally withinheat pipe 1124. Heat pipe 1124 is formed from any of a number ofthermally conductive materials, such as aluminum to facilitate transferof heat generated by PTC heater 114 through heat sink 1124 into air (orgases) within the enclosure of a vehicle light. To facilitate assembly,a resilient rubber (or plastic) grommet 1126 is affixed at a trailingend of heat pipe 1124, seated within a circumferentially reduceddiameter portion, or groove, formed in an outer cylindrical surface ofheat pipe 1124. An inner circumferential diameter of grommet 1126 isurged into seated engagement within the groove of heat pipe 1124 duringassembly. A radially inwardly extending circumferential groove 1128 isformed between two adjacent cylindrical walls on grommet 1126 with isurged and seated in assembly within a hole that is formed in a wallportion of a vehicle light assembly, or housing.

Such a tubular grommet construction readily facilitates modification ofan existing vehicle light assembly to make the assembly heated by merelyforming a hole in a housing wall portion of the light assembly andinserting a leading end of heating source 1110 through the hole untilgrommet 1128 overlies a circumferential edge of the hole, seating firmlywithin groove 1128 and sealing heating source 1110 within the holeprovided in the light assembly housing. The provision of elongate heatsink, or tube 1124 enables close placement of a heat source in a desiredlocation within a light assembly, proximate a lens of the lightassembly.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view from a leading end of another uniqueheater assembly for a vehicle light assembly. More particularly, FIG. 51illustrates a heating source 1210 having a positive temperaturecoefficient heater in the shape of a cylindrical disk to which acylindrical nipple-shaped button or rod heat sink 1224 is affixed withthermally conductive adhesive, such as a thermally conductive epoxy.Heat sink 1224 is a cylindrical thermally conductive rod with a round,or semi-spherical nose, or leading end. Heat sink 1224 can be made ofany suitable thermally conductive material, such as aluminum, metal,metal allow, composite or plastic material, or any other material havinga desired thermal conductivity suitable to transfer heat from the PTCheater to an interior of a vehicle light assembly. A hollow threadedcylindrical collar 1226 is further affixed with thermally conductiveadhesive around heat sink 1224 and atop PTC heater 1214. Collar 1226included a circumferential groove for receiving a rubber o-ring 1228 atthe base of threaded portion 1226. A threaded bore or port is thenprovided through a wall portion of a housing for a vehicle lightassembly, and heating source 1210 is threaded in sealed engagementwithin the port via threaded portion 1226 and o-ring seal 1228 as aleading end of heat sink 1224 is inserted within the housing of thevehicle light assembly at a location where it is desirable to generateheat to remove or prevent ice and/or condensation that might accumulatedon a lens surface of a vehicle light assembly, either on an innersurface or an outer surface of a lens. The provision of elongate heatsink, or nipple 1224 enables close placement of a heat source in adesired location within a light assembly, proximate a lens of the lightassembly.

In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed in language more or less specific as to structural andmethodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the entireinvention is not limited to the specific features and/or embodimentsshown and/or described, since the disclosed embodiments comprise formsof putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore,claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope ofthe appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with thedoctrine of equivalents.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A heater for a vehicle illumination assembly,comprising: an elongate heat source having a heat dissipative tubularbody with an inner surface and an outer surface extending from aproximal end to a distal end, the inner surface including a thermallyconductive contact portion; a mounting base configured to affix the heatsource at a proximal end to a port in a vehicle illumination assembly;and a positive temperature coefficient heater configured in thermallyconductive relation with the thermally conductive contact portion of theinner surface.
 22. The heater of claim 21, wherein the thin-walled heatdissipative body is a heat dissipating finger.
 23. The heater of claim22, wherein the finger includes a hemispherical heat transfer headprovided at a distal end.
 24. The heater of claim 21, wherein themounting base includes a grommet.
 25. The heater of claim 21, whereinthe mounting base includes a threaded portion.
 26. The heater of claim21, wherein the finger is configured as a tube and the PTC heater is acylindrical disk.
 27. The heater of claim 21, wherein the mounting baseis configured to communicate with a contact portion of the heatdissipating body and is configured to affix the heat source within avehicle illumination assembly.
 28. A heated vehicle illuminationassembly, comprising: a housing having a cavity, an illumination source,a light transmission portion; and a port; and an elongate heat sourcehaving a heating unit including a positive temperature coefficientheater, an elongate heat dissipative tubular body, and a mounting base,the elongate heat source configured to mate in assembly within the portwith the mounting base to present the elongate heat source to deliverheat to the light transmission portion operative to mitigate condensatefrom occluding the light transmission portion.